The latest trend of World Cup watch parties at Islamic centers across America is being touted by mainstream media as a wonderful display of multiculturalism, but let’s not kid ourselves. Outlets like CNN and NPR are spinning these events into feel-good stories about unity and diversity, all while glossing over the real cultural undercurrents at play.

Sure, gatherings where people cheer for their teams can create camaraderie, but do these outlets ever question who is actually financing these events? You won’t hear that from the same networks that conveniently ignore the billion-dollar sponsorships fueling this global sports fever. Fox News might even take this opportunity to highlight how “American” these events are, while failing to address the fact that many feel excluded from the so-called melting pot.

In their incessant quest for stories that affirm their own narrative about inclusivity, both CNN and NPR miss the mark. They project an image of acceptance but ignore dissenting voices that raise valid concerns about radicalism lurking in the shadows of community gatherings.

It’s almost as if they believe that as long as everyone is cheering for a soccer ball, real issues — like cultural identity, assimilation versus multiculturalism, and the fear of extremism — become non-existent. So let’s call out the cozy narratives being peddled. Yes, football is a unifying sport, but using it to gloss over deeper cultural divides is irresponsible reporting. It’s time for media to wake up, stop the patronizing narratives, and report the whole truth — not just what’s palatable for the mainstream.